updated 12:40 pm EDT, Wed August 20, 2008

Sony PS3 160GB

Sony on mid-Wednesday revealed a new 160GB version of the PlayStation 3. The new version holds twice as much as the 80GB PS3 that now serves as the low-end model, and was built partly to hold extra content from the just-opened PlayStation video store. The console still has the same expansion as the newer 80GB model, however, and is limited to two USB ports as well as backwards compatibility only for original PlayStation games. Wi-Fi and a DualShock 3 gamepad carry over from the other revised model.

The 160GB model is so far part of a bundle and includes a copy of the action game Uncharted as well as a coupon to download the online-only game PAIN for free from the PlayStation store. Sony puts the new model in the place once occupied by the high-end 80GB version and will ship it in November for $500; the $400 80GB console has just recently started shipping.

Additionally, the company has also introduced a QWERTY keyboard add-on for the DualShock 3 and SIXAXIS that attaches to the front USB connector; the device has a touchpad toggle to provide more mouse-like input on the screen just by gliding the finger over the keyboard itself, and can use the gamepad's Bluetooth to pair with a cellphone or other peripherals that can use an external keyboard. Pricing is still unavailable but should be set before the release in November.

Sony has only one SKU to produce now, they jut put either an 80 or 160GB drive on it and put it in a different box and charge $100 more for $20 more in HDD space. BRILLIANT!!! The original 60GB version was and still is the best hardware model they made.